World Book Night 2014

World Book Night U.S. has announced the WBN 2014 U.S. book picks, and opened the online application process for those wishing to become volunteer book givers next spring.

World Book Night U.S. is part of an ambitious campaign to encourage reading and giving. A half million free paperbacks will be handed out across America all on one day — April 23, 2014 — by enlisting 25,000 volunteer book lovers to promote reading by personally giving specially printed books to light or non-readers and to those without the means or access to them.

The 35 World Book Night U.S. titles for 2014 were chosen by an independent panel of booksellers and librarians, with input from last year’s givers. Thousands of copies of each World Book Night title will be printed as special, not-for-resale paperbacks.

World Book Night U.S. Executive Director, said: “This year’s book selection is the most diverse ever, and we’ve increased the total number of picks this year to 35 in order to welcome in more authors and publishers. We have our first graphic novel, our first university press pick, and the first Asian-American authors. As before, we have a book in English and Spanish, and two of the picks will also be available in Large Print editions. In early 2014, we will announce a proprietary e-book in partnership with e-book technology company Livrada, with original content that all givers can offer to everyone. We are in talks about a digital audio download, as well.”

Scott Turow offered the following: “I can’t imagine any greater compliment to a book — or an author — than to know his work been selected to welcome people to the pleasures of reading.”

The online giver application process is now open for those wishing to become a volunteer book giver next spring, and continues through January 5, 2014. Applicants must state where and to whom they intend to give out their 20 WBN special paperbacks.

Local givers who are accepted into the program will be able to pick up their books at the Massillon Public Library in April. For more information about the Library's role as a World Book Night organizational participant, contact Laura Klein at 330-832-5037.

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World Book Night in the U.S. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. World Book Night U.S. is supported by UPS, authors, publishers, Barnes & Noble, the American Booksellers Association, the American Library Association, Ingram Content Group, and a dozen printers and paper companies; a full list of sponsors is available at the World Book Night website.